This time, I ask ChatGPT what to look out for in a potential self-publishing scam.

What ChatGPT Said:

Publishing your own work is thrilling—it feels like sending a message into the future. But in the excitement of becoming an indie author, there are shadows that sometimes try to slip in: scams. Drafted by ChatGPT.

I don’t like writing about scams. I’d rather talk about stories, characters, or hopeful futures. Yet this, too, is part of the writing life. Scammers prey on creativity and ambition, and I’ve seen too many authors lose money or confidence when tricked by glossy promises. So let’s walk gently but firmly through some warning signs.

Why Scams Target Indie Authors

Indie publishing is full of heart. We’re writers, dreamers, builders of small worlds. But that openness can make us vulnerable. When someone promises “guaranteed bestseller status” or “instant global fame,” it’s tempting to listen. After all, who doesn’t want their book to thrive?

The truth is, no legitimate publisher, marketer, or consultant can guarantee success. The book world is unpredictable, and anyone who sells certainty is usually selling smoke.

Common Red Flags to Watch For

Here are some of the most common traps I’ve seen:

• Promises of overnight success. Real publishing is steady, not instant.
• Hidden fees. If costs aren’t transparent, walk away.
• Aggressive emails or cold calls. Reputable services don’t pressure you into rushing.
• Vanity awards. Some contests exist only to collect entry fees and sell you overpriced certificates.

How to Protect Yourself

Think of publishing safety like building a shield around your creative practice. Here are a few gentle but firm rules I use:

• Research every service. Look for reviews, listings, or warnings in writing communities. One excellent community is called Writer Beware.
• Ask questions. A trustworthy provider won’t dodge or deflect.
• Talk to other authors. Indie writers are generous with advice. If something feels off, chances are someone has already spotted it.

Most of all, trust your instincts. If a pitch makes you anxious or seems too good to be true, that’s your intuition looking out for you.

Closing Thoughts

Self-publishing should feel empowering, not precarious. The more we talk about scams openly, the less power they hold. By protecting ourselves and each other, we create a safer publishing world—one where creativity flourishes without fear.

✨ Know the signs. Stay safe. And keep building your own gentle, hopeful stories.

What Anna Says:

This is a pretty good summary of what to look out for in a scam. Others I would add:

• Unsolicited contacts (whether DMs on social, or email), where they are offering services for your book but they have clearly not read it (e.g. no details from the inside of the book)
• There’s a subscription cost (e.g. annual subscription) meaning they don’t have skin in the game
• Lack of transparency about royalties you will receive (e.g. the platform indicates you will receive $10 per book but you only received $0.50 per book in reality)
• You can’t try before you buy (e.g. the money-back guarantee is void if someone makes a single purchase using their platform)

Yes, I’ve been stung before. It’s so easy for these scammers to prey on the vulnerable.

As the saying goes, the sooner you get off the train after a missed stop, the sooner you can get back on track.